The Molecules That Make You You

by Robert E Wells (Author) Patrick Corrigan (Illustrator)

The Molecules That Make You You
Reading Level: 2nd − 3rd Grade
Series: Tell Me Why

A tiny difference in your DNA makes you one of a kind.

Inside every cell in the human body are tiny molecules that define all of a person's biological traits. Award-winning science author Robert E. Wells explores DNA with curiosity and awe, pairing thrilling facts with clear explanations. Our human DNA might be 99% the same, but that last 1% difference makes each person unique.

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School Library Journal

Gr 1-3--Wells presents information about DNA and how it makes each person unique. Although the title refers specifically to molecules, the focus of the book is the genetic system, moving from cells to molecules, chromosomes, and genes. A conversational tone addresses readers directly, asking questions such as what makes humans different from cats and from other human beings. Wells describes DNA as being an instruction manual, likening the structure to a much more complex version of instructions for building a robot. A small girl with tan skin and black hair, along with her ginger cat, act as hosts to the text, hanging off a double helix or sitting among towers of books. It's a friendly presentation, even as the narrative never veers away from nonfiction. The digital images support the ideas in the text, such as demonstrating the lengths of DNA strands by wrapping them around the Earth. Diagrams are useful and contribute to understanding of the text that, although simple, presents complex ideas. VERDICT This straightforward, easy-to-understand, and brightly illustrated book would make a good addition to any nonfiction collection looking to fill biology gaps.--Clara Hendricks

Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

"This straightforward, easy-to-understand, and brightly illustrated book would make a good addition to any nonfiction collection looking to fill biology gaps."—School Library Journal

Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9780807577745
Lexile Measure
890
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
Albert Whitman & Company
Publication date
October 27, 2022
Series
Tell Me Why
BISAC categories
JNF051050 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Biology
JNF051030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Anatomy & Physiology
JNF051070 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Chemistry
Library of Congress categories
DNA
Molecular biology

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